Sports + Recreation

Root from the stands — or suit up and join in.

For athletes and spectators alike, the Greater MSP region is a mecca for the sporting life.

Get ready to cheer for the home teams.

One of the rare U.S. metros with six professional sports teams, Minneapolis Saint Paul is home to Minnesota Twins baseball, Minnesota Vikings football, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx basketball, Minnesota Wild hockey and Minnesota United FC soccer. College fans have plenty to root for as well, starting with the University of Minnesota Gophers’ Division 1 teams. With teams for every season, Greater MSP is considered one of the best sports cities in America. That reputation has only been bolstered by the recent fanfare over its stadiums. Joining the acclaimed Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, Xcel Energy Center and TCF Bank Stadium in the spring of 2019 is the Loons’ new home, Allianz Field. CHS Field, home to the minor league Saint Paul Saints, won the distinguished American Institute of Architects Honors award in 2015.

A haven for anglers, golfers, bikers and hikers.

Through all four seasons, there’s never a need to stay on the couch in Greater MSP. There are over 1700 lakes in the 15-county metro area alone, among the most extensive regional and city park systems in the country. Summer means walking, running, skating and biking on abundant local trails; in winter, residents break out the Nordic ski gear on those same paths. Downhill skiers and snowboarders enjoy a half-dozen ski areas within an hour’s drive. The metro area boasts nine state parks within its perimeter, along with over 150 golf courses — which cater to the highest number of golfers of any state in the union.